Millbrook boy to take on Washington, make a difference in fight over diabetes

Inside the Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in Millbrook is an extraordinary young man who is courageously staring down a chronic illness.

12-year old Caleb Perry has Type One diabetes and plans to go to Washington, D.C., to make a difference.

Caleb's dad is the pastor at the church and on this day we found Caleb injecting himself that crucial insulin shot he needs every single day.

Caleb's got it down to a science. He knows just what to do and how to do it as he uses simple math to calculate his blood sugar.

Caleb will use that same focus to convince lawmakers in Washington more funding is needed for juvenile diabetes research.

"I am fortunate enough to have insulin shots but there are thousands of other kids who don't and without it could be a death sentence," Caleb said.

With the help of his dad Caleb produced an introductory video at home about his diabetes. The youngster will be one of only two delegates from Alabama to attend the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Children's Congress. The plan is to meet with lawmakers from Alabama and possibly a meeting with the President of the United States.

Nervous? Yes, but determined.

"I mean it's a little scary knowing I am the voice for thousands of children with diabetes," said Caleb.

As you can imagine Chris Perry is mighty proud of his son. Many say Washington doesn't work very well with so many agendas and special interests. Mr. Perry hopes his son's story will cut through the politics.

"What we hope to accomplish is for them to remember Caleb's face and story as they vote on funding for research," said Perry.

As many as 3 million Americans have Type One diabetes and around 80 people, children and adult are diagnosed everyday.

On to Washington to make a point about diabetes.

Caleb Perry doesn't know what the outcome will be after he visits Washington but he's already made a decision to change lives down the road. Caleb wants to become a doctor and find a cure.